A linchpin in the arts and culture community in Palo Alto. Tons of workshops, lectures and practicum courses for all ages, and a wonderful extensive summer program for children. Year-round exhibits, artist showcases, along with community events. Extremely well run by efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable staff! read more

I have taken several water color classes from Robin Scholl. She is wonderful, very supportive and informative. I have learned a lot. Nice studio space for the class. read more

Class instructors are very good artists and instructors! That's why I take my classes there.

Can't keep a Director. Last one stayed about two months and split. Maybe it's time to fold up this pathetic operation. The local art scene will not suffer and may not even notice. read more

Beware of their art classes, (particularly Halcyon Teed's class). I've tried two different classes. They are very light on actual instructions. Mostly they are open studios for intermediate artists who just want to paint, EVEN THE INTRO CLASSES. They say vague things like, "Just work it some more," with absolutely no guidance on which brush, brush technique, how to mix colors, how to do a rough sketch to get started. And they are very serious - not the place for fun or creativity at all. Disappointing. read more

The Pacific Art League is a center for art and artists in the Palo Alto area. They offer excellent art instruction. It has two galleries that do double duty as classrooms. Currently, they have a revenue stream from classes and tenants who rent the upstairs two floors. PAL has a new Executive Director who is proactive with members, students and the greater community of artists. It is a positive place for artists to gather. I have taken classes there for many years. I recommend the abstract painting class of Stella Zhang and the Splash painting class of Chun-wei Yu on Saturdays. Both of these artists are world renowned as are many of the other artist-instructors. read more

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Really old building that is home to one of the oldest Palo Alto Art Clubs. Has two galleries [one upstairs and one downstairs] that occasionally show worthwhile artwork. Also has two drawing/painting studios, and a printmaking studio. Overall it's a decent place for some weekend chinese brush painting for amateurs, so that all would get Pacific Art League about two stars... However, there is one amazing instructor: JIM SMYTH. He has been my painting guru for years [since I was 12!] and has taught me everything I know about oil, charcoal, still life, life drawing, and everything else art related. I have seen Jim transform struggling painters into people who can actually EXPRESS and CAPTURE what they are trying to communicate [instead of making some ridiculous joke of a work and calling it 'subconscious self-expression']! I HIGHLY recommend everyone to take a class from Jim, or even go to the Provence Workshop that he teaches with his wife Brigitte Curt [also a terrific painter] every summer in France. Jim's website is: www.classart.org As for Pacific Art League- they're worth your time only as long as they have Jim. read more

We are photographers and have found PAL to be THE best place to display our images. We go to all of their photography exhibits because there are so many outstanding and unique images on display. And it is also nice to meet the artists and discuss their art and their ideas. And don't forget to investigate their wide range of art classes that they offer. Viewing art is one thing, but CREATING is the heart of all art. Sign up for their monthly notices and plan on an exciting visit. read more

Pacific Art League is lovely. The people who work there are extremely nice and helpful and they always have great exhibits - currently showing a breast cancer exhibit that is very moving. I haven't tried any of their classes yet, but plan to soon and will update when I've had a chance to check them out. read more

Pacific Art League has so much to offer. As an art school, Pacific Art League has so many classes to offer with instructors that have been there for over 15/20 years. It nice to have instruction from people who not only know how to teach their skill but who are loyal to the company as well. Besides classes they also have a great exhibition program with lots of benefits to the arts. I have heard that exhibition hadn't been up to par for a few years, but I would say things have turned around so much. The shows are wonderful, with a variety of mediums each month. First Friday's at Pacific Art League are a really fun time. read more

I don't go there often. The couple times I have been there, it was because of the community program: art open house and the pumpkin carving. Especially the pumpkin carving, it was a great community outreach effort. They brought the pumpkins all cleaned out for you and it was not an easy task to clean. The people there also teach the kids or grown-ups how to carve. When the program was about to end at 4pm, there was one family still working on their pumpkins and they waited patiently and kept re-assuring them it was ok. (I left so don't know how much longer they stayed.) read more

I attended the mDAC Summit at PAL. It was a very positive experience with only a couple of minor issues. The classrooms are big and bright,with lots of space for the attendees. The brightness was an issue because it did make seeing the screen/monitors a bit difficult due to glare. The content of the programs was excellent, hospitality was very nice, location is close to lots of parking and restaurants for lunch. The seminars were very useful and everyone at the PAL was super nice to deal with. I attended a half a dozen seminars this weekend, and only one was a dud, the rest of the speakers were very top notch and entertaining. read more

This is a hidden gem in Palo Alto! I just discovered it. I've been walking by it for a few years and never knew what it was. After wandering in, I decided to take a class. It's filled with kids at art camps now but I guess that will change when school starts. It's small but quite quaint. read more

The class that I signed up for here was cancelled more than 8 weeks ago and I have yet to be refunded. I have called many times, and been told the same story ('money should have been reimbursed by now') . . . very frustrating. read more

I am surprised as to why so many people have left mediocre reviews on this place. I am an artist myself and I wanted to maintain my skill set, as well as try some new classes. You get what YOU put in here - If you want to make the class important and if you want to learn and improve - then YOU have to want that. No teacher in the world can make anyone a great artist, chef, doctor etc. You have you put your hard work and desire into achieving your artistic goal. So for someone to come here expecting the teachers to just make you talented is fooling themselves. The teachers here are volunteering their time to inspire and motivate, but under no circumstances will they sugarcoat things or "give" you all these skills you think you can just learn after 10 classes. Talent, takes years. Art takes time. Be proud and thankful that this place has withstood the rent costs of Palo Alto, and support this community place. I have been hearing that numerous students complain about the teachers, and the thing is, to be an artist, means to deal with critics. If you don't like what someone says about your art, then you don't have a tough skin for life. And trust me, you'll need one. Do not be offended with critiques. They are there to improve. Teachers are there to motivate, not give you some unobtainable ideal of "knowing art" in 10 short classes. read more

This is an awesome place that offers not only a range of art instruction, but also gallery spaces, opportunities for local artists to exhibit their work, and community programs. I've been involved with the Art League for many years as a student as well as a volunteer. Their new Executive Director has really reached out to members, students, and the community to get feedback and offer new classes, talks, and programs that focus on bringing art to under-served children and youth. read more

Completely forgot about reviewing this place. I actually took a water painting class from this place to see if I had an artistic side to me. Lets just say I don't, but nonetheless the instructor was very patient with our class and really showed us techniques and basic instruction. My interpretation of the objects I was painting, certainly did not look anything like the object ,but our instructor was very encouraging and told us to keep practicing of course I find out later that water color is the hardest type of painting. Good hobby for 6 weeks and that was that! But for the rest of the world, check this place out its definitely for the artist in you. read more

For those who have been to Pacific Art League (PAL) over the years and had disappointing experiences, I'd like to share encouraging words. They've been struggling over the past few years due to mismanagement of funds by a previous team, however with an awesome determination, they seem to be making their way out of the hard times and the results for the patron are very promising. Some time ago they engaged some excellent consistent volunteer talent for hanging the shows in the downstairs gallery (sometimes in the Norton as well) and the presentation of monthly exhibits is so much richer for this keen, trained pair. Striking is a term that can be applied in each instance and very appealing to the eye. Installments compliment and play off each other rather than vie for attention and it's a joy to let your eye be drawn to a painting and then again to another so that your eyes dance around the room with delight, each time resting on the latest discovery. In the "craft" category (a term I personally loathe since in all art, there is the "craft" of execution that must be mastered and the "art" that reflects the artist's inspiration and intent), the offerings have improved significantly, both in quantity and quality. This is now a location I would highly recommend as a place to venture when you want something special as a gift, or feature in your home. If you wisely join the flow of people who venture out on the first Friday of the month for Palo Alto's Art Walk, make sure to stop in to Pacific Art League to meet the artists and let your eyes roam beyond the walls to the shelves and cases that offer wonderful three dimensional possibilities for purchase. This is a nonprofit organization, so when you purchase a piece of art from PAL a portion goes to the organization and the rest to the artist, so you are doing a good thing by spending your money here rather than in some sterile department store that offers one-of-a-million trite items. BTW, the downstairs gallery, classroom and bathroom are wheelchair accessible. With your patronage, there's the possibility they'll be able to extend this capability to the upstairs classrooms as well in time. read more

I've been volunteering at PAL since 2006. Having ended my working career I now had time to begin exhibiting my art and photography. What an opportunity! PAL is unique in Santa Clara County and beyond, with monthly exhibits anyone can enter. My favorite volunteering job is taking in art at the end of the month for the next exhibit (one exhibit every month!) I get to meet the artists, see their work, discuss framing and techniques and pickup on some cost savings advice. If you want to open up your artistic life, take an art class or two, become a Member and save 20% on art supplies and framing at Accent Arts, Palo Alto and University Art, Redwood City. As you can see, I cannot say enough about PAL. They are the best. Getting laid off my 8-5 job was the best thing that ever happened to me. That's when I joined PAL as a volunteer and began to find my passion, which always has been art anyway, but to be able to pursue it was a dream come true. Cherryl Pape www.cherrylpapeart.com read more

The art classes are very good. When signing up for a class though, they automatically sign you up for a membership to this website called active.com which is $60 per year (or per month ... not sure) without telling you about it. This has nothing to do with the class or the PAL. active.com is a fraudulent website with many complaints registered at the BBB. Why the PAL cooperates with these crooks is beyond me. read more

I recently attend the mDAC Summit in early August and found the guest speakers and instructors/artists to be top notch in their respective fields. I have also taken a number classes at PAL and found the instructors knowledgeable and friendly. PAL has recently reopened to a new and impressive art facility in downtown Palo Alto and with the partnership with the former University Art store now in Redwood City there are even more opportunities for classes. If you support the arts consider becoming a member and receive discounts for classes and special invites to gallery showings. read more

If you're art gallery hopping keep in mind that the Pacific Art League is an art school. All the work is done by students so don't be too hard on them. For some reason the student artwork sells at an exuberant price. Some of it is good yet the majority of it is just average. The gallery space is divided into a main gallery, then the studio space (where more work is posted), and the Elizabeth Norton Studio upstairs. You have to climb four sets of stairs to get to the Elizabeth Norton Studio although the work seems to be of higher calibre. read more

Conveniently located right off of University Ave. & Ramona, right next to Hukilau, PAL is the place to go for after work art classes for busy professionals or retirees looking for a leisure hobby. I took the 10 week DSLR Photography class here and enjoyed it for the most part. Our classes were held in the upstairs gallery and it was a bit crammed. The building is old and the wooden floor squeaks when you walk on it. I think for Photography class it would be more useful to go out and shoot rather than sit around in a classroom settting and talk about it. I'd try a painting or drawing class there... just to see how it is. read more

The second workshop I took at PAL was better than the first. It was a collage class and it was fun. The teacher brought lots of material, provided examples and assistance. I would have liked an agenda and introductions at the start as well as an evaluation at the end (note to PAL: all workshops have these components). Still, I am a little more pleased now than before. read more

First Friday Art Event is always a pleasant evening. PAL has different medium each month with artists work on display. Classes are held on site and off. Teachers that I have had are knowledgeable and gifted. I've attended both oil and pencil classes. Facilities are being renovated. read more

I started taking classes at the Pacific Art League as a beginning student. I started with basic drawing. When I was ready to start with painting I began with more advance students and felt a little insecure about my limited experience. However, once I was instructed by Robin Scholl in her watercolor and landscape class I was so encouraged by her and her constant help and demonstrations on color blending and techniques. I just love taking her classes. I have continuously taken her instruction for about three years and hope to continue as long as she teaches. Liz D. read more

We had the rehearsal dinner for our wedding at the Pacific Art League. The space is fantastic and the staff were very helpful with set-up and take-down. PAL would definitely be at the top of our list for another fancy event! read more

Had a great experience taking classes here. Amazing school and beautiful gallery. The staff is incredibly helpful and accommodating. I definitely recommended this hidden gem for both artists and students. read more

I went to one of their First Friday opening reception. The gallery is beautiful, the gallery's art work/hanging/attention to detail was amazing and the staff was more than accommodating. I am looking forward to attend more openings and visit the gallery during " normal" hours. read more

Have taken two classes at PAL -- Watercolor for Beginners (6-week course) and Floral Workshop (3-hour course) -- both of which exceeded expectations! Staff was super kind, knowledgable, patient, and most importantly fun! Highly recommend... read more

Saturday morning we were helped by a wonderful staff member who's name started with a D. I'm so sorry I cant recall his name. He has short brown hair was wearing a black top. Super helpful and just one of the awesome bright and enthusiastic staff at this diamond in Silicon Valley. Aly is another staff person that really stands out in the Bay Area as someone who loves her job and the people she helps. In a place obsessed with apps and gadgets and technology, this is a place where all of life is REAL. The smell of the paint is real. The talent and creative expression is real. The love the staff has for art and art fans is tangible everywhere. The beauty of the two and three dimensional works is thought provoking and and at times it touches your heart and brain at the same time. The paintbrushes and classes and friends people make are special and part of daily life here. It connects everyone to the art and artists that have come before them. This is culture in the best way possible. Messy, beautiful and full of real life. read more

Pacific Art League (PAL) is a real find for anyone who wants to study art locally. The instructors offer a wide range of courses and are all talented professionals who provide personalized teaching and tutoring to students. I have taken courses from Steve Curl, Robin Scholl, Ray Mandieta and Mike Kirschel, all of whom were excellent instructors. One of the unique aspects of PAL is that you can find an instructor or two who best suits your style and continue taking courses from them, as these artists' skills range from teaching newbies to tutoring advanced students. The first Friday night juried show receptions feature a wealth of artists (not just students) and have unique themes each month. read more

The art class I took here was bad. The instructor only taught once for about 10 minutes and then spent the entire session drawing the models himself. read more

I have taken classes at the Pacific Art League for a number of years. For the last 2 or 3 years I have taken landscape painting from Robin Scholl. I have learned a great deal from her. She gives excellent demonstrations and is a very patient, helpful teacher. read more

I attended the mDAC Summit conference this weekend at the Palo Alto Art League. The conference, which was all about utilizing art apps on the iPad as well as creative uses of the iPad for photography, collage, painting, comics, animation, portraiture and a lot more, was GREAT! The speakers were top notch, every one. The instruction in the workshops was terrific, I could follow along on my iPad very easily with the workshop instructor without getting lost. The camaraderie with fellow iPad users could be felf in the room. This was one of the best conferences I have ever attended, anytime, anywhere. The newly renovated Art League building was fresh and clean, very light and airy and cool during the hot summer weekend. I highly recommend attending the next mDAC summit for anyone interested in digital artwork on the iPad, and utilzing the Palo Alto Art League for their wide variety of classes, including digital art on the iPad. This is a great place to go for art of all kinds! read more

I have been taking classes at the Pacific Art League for many years. Robin Scholl does a wonderful job of teaching a watercolor/pastel class and has provided me with excellent techniques and useful critiques. She is supportive and very knowledgeable. The atmosphere she creates in the classroom is friendly and helpful. It has always been a good experience. read more

Negative experience from start to finish; registration procedure involved being duped into signing up with ACTIVE. My class was cancelled but no one called to let me know. I drove from San Jose to Palo Alto waited in the room for 30 min. before I wandered into office area where they blamed the instructor. I signed up for another course later in the day with the same instructor. The facilities were inadequate and the equipment needed to take the class was missing. I never returned after the first day. Unfortunately, I dropped the class too late to get a refund. Very disappointed. read more

Anna was super helpful in the office. Very customer service oriented. My 12 year old daughter the aspiring young artist really loves the David Flint instructor who teaches cartooning and amine. She is really enjoying it. Anything to get her off the video mind numbing stuff and on to art and creativity. read more